Yaaaaargh! The Koreans will be coming in an hour. Yaaargh! Kabado na ako.

But at the same time, I am enjoying myself. Love the tension. And love those Slavs and Austrians, too. Hehehe! It was like having the Von Trapp family for dinner.

Just fifteen minutes to go before I fetch the Pilgrim Mission Choir. The moment of truth is lurking nearer and nearer. I'm just killing time while the paranoia is slowly creeping through me. Argh.

Again, I just got home again. Work for CCP has been pretty hectic though most of the work that I had to do were mechanical non-thinking jobs. But then we had to prepare the itinerary of our choirs. When I finished with mine, the other Liaison Officers were impressed. My sked was quite laid out, it included wake-up times, assembly times, stuff that were not included in the CCP schedule but were also important to take into consideration. It was the JVP experience kicking in as I had to prepare several schedules for the number of seminars I have done for JVP the past two years.

One of the LOs asked me if I was interested in giving my resume, both to CCP and to him. This LO handles concerts for schools and the like. I would love to do that!!! Especially since they love getting Parokya. Hehehe! But even before, I have always loved watching ingress and engress procedures of concerts.

Plus, my few days experience with CCP has been very interesting. I love the energy of the place. Seeing costumed artists waiting for their turn on the stage, watching practices, looking at ballerinas in ther practice leotards... weird hours of work, strange and loud people for workmates. It was just so cool. I felt so at home.

Another one of the LOs was so friendly, every corner we turn she knew someone. We even bumped into Noni Buencamino who she introduced to me. So cool! He seemed like a very fine guy. Noni was telling us about his son's children's party.

It was those things that I love. Shaking hands with Noni, passing Gab along the corridors, meeting the Clusivol actress (who was really Noni's wife in real life, forgot her name though). I love it. I love it. I love it.

I wouldn't mind working for CCP full time. Though the salary is almost negligible.

I'm having so much fun! For now. But tomorrow, THE KOREANS ARE COMING. Aaaaarrrrgggh!

By the way, one of the Performing Arts Division staff looks like my Parokyano dude. Except he's gay, has no goatee and clean cut. Maybe they're relatives. Hehehe!

Just came from CCP. I FINALLY got to meet the people I will be working with for the next days. Most of the Liaison Officers are Mads or friends of Mads. Apparently, I am the only person who appeared out of nowhere. Thanks to Ina, I was able to land this very interesting job.

During the morning, we discussed what we had to do for next week. Unfortunately, logistics are still unclear up to this moment and I would have to fetch the Koreans this Sunday already. Argh.

Then Alfred, the head LO, gave us a tour of CCP. Interesting place, especially the view from the fifth floor.

The rest of the days we did work on the IDs. Thankless, ugly job it is. But I had fun. It was a crazy bunch of people. The other CCP staff were also very friendly. The main stage manager was already asking us to go have a drink. Cool, huh? Unfortunately, I don't drink. Besides, there were still much to do. But I do hope we get to go out together. I really like the group. :)

While cutting for the IDs, we ended up thinking up of the words of Pinoy Thriller, the horror-suspense show of the 80's. I was so happy, they were able to complete it. Yipee!
Ano ang nasa dakong parron
Bunga ng malikot na pag-iisip
Likha ng balintataw o
halaw sa isang daigdig ng kababalaghan.
Di kayang ipaliwanag
ngunit alam mong magaganap.

I dare say that this is probably one of the more intelligent opening spiels of TV. And Pinoy Thriller really had scary stories.

Anyways... yaiks! Koreans coming on Sunday. Yaaaaaaaaaaaaaaargh!

PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN

Galing ng movie! I didn't expect it to be funny but it was. Johnny Depp and Geoffrey Rush give their brand of great acting, even though the roles will not give them a nomination. The story was also very interesting. Gwapo talaga si Orlando Bloom, still I love Johnny Depp ever. :)

I just had to go to the Parokya gig in Bistro. Because there were signs. And I knew that last night would have either pushed me with my obsession or put me in my place.

Yup, last night put me in my place. I'm a bit sad about it as I like being kilig, but then I'm happy with that too. I needed it really. And I actually knew before going there will make me realize the first encounter was a fluke.

Observing him the whole night, I realized that he was really good with the guitar. And more observation leads me to conclude that he reminds me of a younger Joey Ayala, my god-genius of music. Not necessarily with the music skills, but physically.

Lean, but not thin... and lanky (when Joey was younger). Kayumangging-kayumangi. Glasses. The right height - not too tall, not too short. Not too handsome (I refuse to believe that he isn't!), very Pinoy. A bit shy. Musician. Cool dresser (slightly loose shirt, slightly loose pants, sneakers/rubbers - my perfect combo). Yup, he is it. But... I am not. Hehehe!

Yey. I can finally be kilig without thinking... could it? I never believed for one second of the possibilities, though for a time it was fun.

I did talk to him though because I wanted my free poster signed. Conversation went:
me: hi, ako si valkyrie.
siya: kaw si robotech?
me: hehehe! hindi, ikaw si robotech, ako si valkyrie.
siya: ikaw si valkyrie? si angie.
me: (wow, he remembers the name) oo. tiningnan ko na iyong robotech.com, naalala ko na.
siya: astig no.
me: true (bading ko!!!). thanks ha.
then we did a pare-pare shake. i didn't bother to prolong the conversation as he was drunk and tired.

nabawasan man ang obsession ko, tumaas naman paggalang ko. who knows, baka maging ka-level na niya sa pagtingin ko kay Joey. pero matagal-tagal pa iyon. dami niyang kailangang kaining bigas at inuming batangas coffee. hehehe!

THAT VILE WOMAN!

I forgot to post this this morning.

Noel guested in Morning Show. Which made my dislike for Kris rise up a notch higher. She was paying too much attention to Aubrey Miles, admiring her clothers, her skin and all those other crap.

They even made Noel play the guitar for this upstart who sang a tagalized version of the Meteor Garden opening theme song. Ugly translation, if you ask me. Too literal. Not that I know Chinese but translating word for word never works. Trust me, I got an A for my translation of this piece of Tagalog review for my ethnic literature class.

The worse thing about it was when it was finally Noel's turn for the interview, he hardly spoke as she kept on rudely interrupting. Plus, she already said what Noel had to say about Kanlungan with her question. "Kanlungan pala is an environmental song?" Noel, not being showbiz, just answered with a yes. Argh. Hateful woman. Then Noel is asked again, "so how do you write? Lyrics first or the music muna? Or sabay?" "Sabay" that was all that Noel answered. It gets worse, she makes Noel say "I love you" to his wife on air. Ano ba?!! You are not talking to a wannabe here, you vile woman!!! The person you are interviewing is an already an icon!!! There are better, more interesting questions to be asked and you will surely, definitely get a very intelligent answer.

Argh.

BUT!!! You have to admit, when Noel played his song, the audience were quiet and really listening. I still get the goosebumps even if I know that Kris is in the same room as Noel while playing "Kanlungan."

=====

And that woman does it again. Parokya guests in Game K N B. She got irritated at a lot of moments because the boys were makulit among themselves, plus they were at the very least smart with their deductions. Because of that she was not able to get a lot of babble time, and at one point was not able to ask "sure ka na ba?" because Dindin beat her to it with the Eraserhead question.

Buti nga sa kanya. That woman just gets on my nerves especially when she does not know who she is dealing with.

Anyway, I sincerely believe that the boys would have made it if they tried to get to the next level. Except they didn't. I mean who would want to spend another 30 minutes with that woman. Yeesh.

Needs work. But will do for now.

MEET ME AT 7

Meet me at 7:00.
That’s what you said.

Four cups of apple cinnamon tea
each mixed with a spoonful of honey
to keep me a bit warm
from the biting cold brought by
visiting Siberian winds.

I can’t believe it’s already 8:30.

Then a steaming mug
of café americano
to help me resist Sandman’s invitation
though if you ask me,
truthfully,
I wanted to give in.

I stir the coffee,
cool it down the bit.
I already have enough burns for the night.
Added some sugar for some sweetness.
At least I can have
something that is to my taste.

9:30, my watch tells me.
Why do I always let this be?

I take one last look at the menu.
Then stare at the cloudy Friday night sky
covering a shy fool’s moon.

I stare through the glass windows.
No sign of your battered red Toyota.
Traffic jam is over.
Cars cruise the dimly-lit highway.

A sigh with my final cup.
This time warm fresh milk.
An attempt to lull me into sleep.

10:00, the café clock ticked.

No more I say.
I pay my bill.
Leave a bit of tip
with a salty drop
on the receipt.

pilgrim’s café, baguio
11:05 PM
8242003

WE CREAMED FEU!

With only a total of four hours sleep in 48 hours, we arrived at Erik's house from Baguio. I was thinking if I still had enough energy to cheer on the Blue Eagles for their game against the FEU Tamaraws, the top-seeded UAAP team for season 66. But for the love of the game and of the school, we still trooped to Araneta. Plus the fact that Erik had to toot the horns for the band.

During the first three quarters of the game, the crowd was tense. I was scraping my throat hard from cheering for the team and cursing the situation and lecturing the players ("dun ka na lang sa van, Kramer!" "Galingan mo, Honey!" [hehehe!] "Go, Ateneo!" "Bakit pinapasok iyan?!" "Boooo!" and more). Tams and Eagles were answering each other's shots. Lead changed several times. There never was a comfortable lead for any other team.

Ending the third quarter with a tie at 52-52 made it all the more tense and exciting, if I may say. The whole time I wanted to gore someone out of desperation. Though there was never really any need to despair as the team were playing well already, it was just the Tams were doing great too.

But when the fourth quarter came... MAN, the Blue Eagles really rocked!!! The players sunk in basket after basket after basket, with three or four rainbow connections. Grabe! I wanted to gore anyone because of joy. Hahaha!

I was most proud and happy when they got Johann Uichico in the game. Whenever I would watch at home, they would show has father patiently waiting for his son's turn to play. And finally last Sunday was his chance, against FEU yet! And the whole team were being big brothers. They kept passing him the ball so he can have his chance. He seemed happy while playing, like a little kid who finally got picked to play. Of course, he made mistakes but he finally got to score just a few nanoseconds before the shotclock went zero point zero.

When the team was singing the school song, the veteran players ruffled and mussed up his hair with pride. I wanted to give him a hug, too. And Daddy Uichico. Hehehe!

Happy. :)
======

The Babble Band also did well in enticing the crowd to cheer during the last quarter. The first three quarters the crowd was not as hyped into cheering as they usually do with La Salle. And as per Ateneo tradition, cheering usually stops when lead is down or zero. But the Babble roused the crowd up even before the onslaught.

When the game ended, they were cheering "cheeseburger! cheeseburger!" and then "alimasag! alimasag!" (as Red Crab is one of the sponsors of the Blue Eagles. Check out ridiculous shot of Rich Alvarez holding a crab posted on the Blue Eagle gym) then back to "cheeseburger! cheeseburger!"

I really prefer all boys-Babble anytime. Walang hiya-hiya at lalo nang walang pa-cute-cute.

Went to Baguio. Had fun din naman kahit papaano. It was raining the whole time though. Fog is fun. Boating in Burnham while raining is not.

I attempted to write something that could be turned into a song. Nyek. Pangit. Hehehe!

SENTI TRIP

Maita will be leaving for Japan again this Saturday. So for our last gimmick, we went to 70's Bistro (where else?). Originally, we were planning to just stay for the first set. I promised to myself that I will go home early.

We were a bit early but since the seats were already reserved so we stayed on the table near the bar. When Noel got in, (bineso niya kami!) he had coffee in our table and had a chat. I asked him to sign the three Mejas CDs we bought for our friends in New York. I already made my request even before he went up, told him, "Lullabye" ha. Then, Bobby Guev arrived with Michelle Juan, so we talked to them. Maita and I both forgot to say excuse. Kakahiya. Siya na lang ang nag-excuse para sumali naman sa kabilang table.

We were supposed to just stay for the first set, di ba? But... how dare Noel play such a great set! I forgot what his first two songs were, but i told Maita that I don't think I can bear to leave if he keeps on playing songs like this. Most of them were sad, good-bye songs. Which was something so apt for what we were both feeling at the moment with me also getting ready to leave ESSC and thus, Ateneo. Sigh. How dare he have a great voice and a powerful spirit that can just capture your hear. Sigh. I love Noel. I really do.

Of course he sang Kanlungan. Finally the crowd was over the McDo commercial and just appreciated the song for what it was and what it will always be. Besides it was an NGO crowd last night. Unlike the last time where they know Kanlungan as a jingle and not a "mover" song. I will digress, there are days I want to tell my cousins who like the song, "You know, that song is way older than you kid." But well, I should respect them for not knowing better. They have no way of knowing anyway. It's just like that time when Parokya ni Edgar released "Harana." I wanted to strangle them for sharing something that was supposed to in-house Ateneo culture. But I realized a good song will always be a good song. And good things should always be shared. People should not be deprived of good things just because you liked it first. Though I admit, it sometimes takes away my feeling of "uniqueness." Oh well. Anyway...

He also sang "Lea" and "Tatsulok" and "Lullabye" (yey!) and "Tinitiis ko" (another song from Mejas I like. And the rest of his classic covers which I never tire of. He also sang, "I'll Be" (yey! yey!).

Joey Ayala dropped by. I wanted to buy his album and have him sign it, but... 397!!! Ang laki ng patong! But I know I will eventually buy it anyway. Still, since I just bought a book, it just wasn't right to have another purchase. Damn. And I wanted so much to get the lyrics of "Organik." The album had a lot of his classic songs there pa naman. And... and... and I have waited for that album for months and months and months... 397. pshaw. And... and... and... I just love Joey talaga. 397. pshaw. unfair. I want the 16 LOVE SONGS ALBUM!!!! WAAAH!!!

Anyway, I was talking about Noel. I really liked the show last night. It was a nice "good-bye" to QC.

I'm sure I will be back eventually. Like next Tuesday to watch Parokya ni Edgar. To see...

We are talking about Noel, okay. Noel is great. There.

Bought After Eden yesterday. I'm something like three-quarters finished. 250 bucks almost over in two hours. Hehehe! It took me about 30 minutes of battling myself to finally take the graphic novel to the counter.

So how is it? Cheesy. But not crappy. Typical. Yet engaging. I've seen the story countless of times. But I have to admit to myself that I am a sentimental fool and cheese like this will always appeal to me.

I like it. It has its share of insights and depth. Mixed in with "kababawan." A lot of it. This comic book will definitely not appeal to true blue comic enthusiasts, though. Because as I said, it has too much cheese.

But the writer must be a comic book enthusiast himself as the protaganist owns a store for "geeks" like me. A haven of comic books, sci-fi stories, fantasy novels, gaming. Heaven! High Cost of Living is mentioned. Galactus makes an appearance in once of the frames. And more familiar characters like Wolverine, Batman... them.

I like it. I have to. It cost me money. Hehehe!

I will try and get myself a copy of After Eden. There was this one time I was walking around National Bookstore when I spotted the graphic novel. Since it was only P275, I got interested (foreign titles cost much more. obvious na ba masyado na kuripot ako?) into picking it up. Reminds me a bit of Maison Ikoku. It was one of my favorite Manga comics back in college. But I have to admit it was a cheesy love story sprinkled with the usual Japanese humor (we're talking comics here). Hindi naman siya ganun kagandahan pero nagampanan naman niya ang pagpapapakilig sa akin. Mababaw lang naman ako, eh. Hehehe! Anyway, I'm sure After Eden has an entirely different plot, but it is a love story like Maison Ikoku.

Also, this guy who is a Palanca winner recommended it. I trust his judgment. Hehehe!

BUT, I have to get the P275 before the sale ends so I still get a bit of a discount. Waaah! Ubos na pera ko. :(

=====
I really, really should buy at least one book a month from Adarna! Even if just a form of support to our Filipino literary writers. No promises yet, but something to keep in mind.

DANCER IN THE DARK



Yesterday morning, I finished watching Dancer in the Dark. Damn, I was crying so hard during the last few minutes of the film.

The movie gives you the feel as if you were watching your neighbor's home movies. The movements of the camera felt like you were taking on the point of view of an invisible character in the movie. You would think that it was sloppy camera work but if you watch the documentary, they had storyboards prepared (unlike in our country! bara-bara!!!) plus the crew used 100 cameras for the musical numbers. 100 cameras! That would be a big headache in editing, but they were able to do it nonetheless. Grabe! Ang galing.

The song and dance numbers were also integral to the story, as Selma (Bjork's character) seeks consolation with the music that she makes in her mind. Plus the songs were very well-written and the choreography was well-thought of.

Bjork deserved her Cannes award as her performance was very moving, you could feel her love and her fear... you could feel everything about her.
=====
This is the song she sang in the Oscars with that swan costume. (Honestly, I don't think she cared about anyone caring for what she wore to the Awards' night)

I've seen it all
Bjork

I’ve seen it all
I’ve seen the willow trees
I’ve seen my land on the first day of peace
I’ve seen a friend killed by a friend
And lives that were over before they were spent
I’ve seen what I was, I know what I’ll be
I’ve seen it all, there is no more to see

You haven’t seen elephants, kings or Peru!
I’m happy to say I had better to do.
What about China? You’ve seen the Great Wall?
All walls are great if the roof doesn’t fall.

And the man you will marry? The home you will share?
Oh no, but I really, really don’t care.
You’ve never been to the Niagara Falls?
I have seen water, it’s water, that’s all.

The Eiffel Tower, the Empire State?
My pulse was high on my very first date.
Your grandson’s hands as he plays with your hair?
Oh no, but I really, really don’t care.

I’ve seen it all
I’ve seen the dark.
I’ve seen brightness in one little spark.
I’ve seen what I chose
I’ve seen what I need
And that is enough. To want more is greed.
I’ve seen what I was, I know what I’ll be.
I’ve seen it all, there is no more to see.

You’ve seen it all and all you have seen
Is there to review on your own little screen
The light and the dark,
The big and the small
Just keep in mind, you need no more at all.
You’ve seen what you were
And you know what you’ll be
You’ve seen it all, you don’t need to see.

Uy, uy!

I was so happy yesterday.

My brother and I went to Glorietta in the afternoon. He has a function at three and I had to meet someone in Galleria at 5. Our usual first stop would either be the cinema or the bookstore. So we went in Bibliarch.

The moment I stepped in and saw their new releases, I literally jumped for joy. Hop, skip and jump, if you will. CORALINE in paperback!!! It was in paperback already. At P240 only!!! Well, it was just a thin pocketbook, but it was still within my affordable range so I had my brother buy it with his credit card (nyahahaha! i'm going to pay him naman).

And they also have Wolves in the Wall already. Wow! Wow! Big and wide hardbound book. Only for P680. Except I don't think I have that yet. So soon. Soon. Am so excited.
=====
Whenever we are at Bibliarch, Bro and I drool over the collector's item figurines(?), sculptures (?) displayed at the window. Mostly Star Wars and Marvel characters. The small Hulk figurine cost P4,000. Ngi.

By the way, I watched Gary V's concert in Music Museum last Saturday. I actually had no plans to watch it because I could not afford the tickets, but Maita spotted for half of it. So there I was at Music Museum with Maita, Dondi, Jope, Paola and her sister.

That was the first time I got to watch Gary V. live in concert. The man was really good. There were moments that I felt he had too much sugar, but generally he deserved to be called a "Total Performer." He did everything he could for the audience, From singing to dancing to banging the drums to even acting as stand-up comedian. Ang galing talaga niya! The whole show was a blast!

It was also nice seeing him dance with his son. Gabriel definitely got his genes from his dad, plus he must have picked up a lot of moves from hanging out with the Manoeuvres.

My favorite bits of the show was when he sang 80's hits and of course, his dance songs. But listening to the rearranged version of "Letting Go" just gave me goosebumps. Sobrang nakakapangilabot talaga. Especially with the the blending of six voices. GRABE!

I also liked that Spanish song he sang with his mother. His mother was there, but he only sang with her recoreded voice. But it was nice seeing their old home movies when Gary was still young. And his mom was indeed very beautiful. Galing.

In the audience (that we know about)
Martin Nievera
Tessa-Prieto Valdez
Rajo Laurel
Jay R
JM Rodriguez
Leo Martinez (cool website, btw!)

Last night, I watched "Noon at Ngayon" directed by Marilou Diaz-Abaya. Well... I've seen better Filipino movies but I've also seen worse. The movie had a very powerful trailer that actually made me want to watch it. Plus it was given an A rating by the Film Ratings Board. They often just gave B ratings. So I would really assume that it was good, right?

Well, I wouldn't say it was a waste of two hours, but I should just have watched it in a cheaper cinema.

There were inconsistencies with the portrayal of the gay characters, both that of Paolo Contis and Lito Pimentel. Paolo has already done gay roles in "Maalala-ala Mo Kaya" and he did them well. So I think with Noon at Ngayon, it was a problem of direction.

The story was very scattered, with very futile attempts to tie it together by the central character. There were too many subplots for it to be cohesive. Given that there were so many characters, not one was able to become three-dimensional, real enough to be sympathized with (but given who I am, I shed a teardrop at one point, more with the dialogue rather than the story).

And what was with those rallies and parades? They didn't need to be there. It was in no way related to the story except the scene was in UP. Absolutely just no point to it.

But, Jericho did his role quite well. He was able to maintain the quirks of his character all throughout. I appreciate details like that. Levi's habit of slouching, biting his nails, hair always mussed up, puppy dog eyes look... stuff like that. His character could have been explored deeper though but given that there are other roles to think about... that could not have been possible except the hands of a genius.

Still, if you would want to watch it. Go ahead. I always encourage people to support Filipino movies that attempts to be good. This one at least tries.
=====
Oh, by the way, Mang Tony (MT), our dearest editor in the Communication Department had a cameo appearance.

Yesteday was the rematch between Ateneo vs. UE. During the first game, UE beat us by one point, but then Coach Joel Banal wasn't there as he was successfully getting the PBA trophy for the Talk n' Text.

The victory over LaSalle must have boosted our player's confidence up a notch. All of them played really well. Much as I hate to admit, Doug Kramer improved his playing so much. The ball still slips from his hands now and then, but he gets the ball in the hoop this time and he was able to do his fair share of rebounds. Bugia is back in shape as he does a great job in rebounding and assisting. Also, I'm glad to see Membrere back in the game. Though he had trouble at the beginning, he was able to find his mark eventually. And the joy on his face when he made that 3-point shot. Hehehe! Of course, Alvarez, Gonzales, Fonacier and Tenorio remain to be the best starting five (including Bugia) among the UAAP teams. Ang galing-galing talaga nila kahapon. Imagine, 76-67! My brother even bought Coke for the win. Though I honestly think Ateneo winning was just his excuse to buy a drink as he drank three-quarters of it. Hehe!

I hope they continue to have the confidence, but I do pray it does not go on into arrogance as that is usually the downfall of our team.

Still, UE played a very good game. James Yap, Charles Tan and Jay-R Estrada scared the hell out of me everytime they shoot those three-pointers. For some reason, Paul Artadi did not play his usual brand of game. Lucky for us, but then I felt a bit sad for him. I kept shouting to the dude (well, to the TV anyway) "I know you can do better than that."

Yeah! Second place.
Dang! FEU scares me.

For those who adore the celestial bodies. This is good news for me! :)

I know I said in a way, I sympathize with the mutineers of Oakwood. Well... with all the discrepancies in their statements, I'm taking it back. Right now, I want to give Trillanes a bonk in the head... not for the mutiny but for not being able to find up with a cohesive excuse for it.

Spontaneous? How can a coup be spontaneous? With five people, maybe. But with three hundred? With armbands, flags, caps... what have you? These things don't take just a day to make. I would have kept my sympathy if they just told the commission that it was planned, that they have had that grievance for a long time and have been finding means to get their message across. Man, I could lap that up. But saying it was spontaneous... sheer stupidity. Moreso coming from a man who was supposed to be intelligent! Grsh.

But losing my sympathy for them does not gain any for the government. Just makes me seethe in almost-anger for them. That picture with Honasan and Trillanes talking... I honestly think that was played around with the first time I saw it. Evidence like that is so easy to make right now. And fortunately, there have been experts who were able to say that it could have been forged.

I still think that there is a grain of truth on the claims of the rebel soldiers. Selling of weapons and all that. They just had the wrong approach which did not make the situation any better. And I just bleed everytime I see footages of our soldiers fighting to their death in Mindanao with the idea that it could have been their own bullets that brought them down.

This country needs a lot of rehabilitation!!! Damn, people. This is high time that the citizenry act! The simplest act but could be the noblest too would be to vote deserving candidates. But then... sakit ng Pinoy na umasa na lang lagi sa iba na gawin ang pagpapaganda ng buhay nila sa iba. Magaling man ang mga nakaupo sa gobyerno kung ang mga mamamayan naman ay hindi sumusunod... wala rin tayong mapapala.

It all boils down to ourselves. It really DOES.
(I'm seething)

Just like Rowie, I have been listening to "Eraserheads" much lately. And I have to agree that it brings back great feelings, though not necessarily feelings. Listening to Ultraelectromagneticpop reminds me of carefree, happy-go-lucky days, where even the Eraserheads did not have much angst yet. Where they just wanted to jam and make fun.

And even with all the controversy on them, I believe that they do believe in flowerpower ("Easy ka Lang," "Shake Yer Head"). Which influenced me a lot to go for it too.

C'mon everyone, let's sing... "in-love na naman si shirley... sa binatang maganda ang kotse..." Yeah! Peace, man!

LIGHTS AND LACK OF IT

Living in a country where blackouts is not something uncommon, seeing America's reaction to a huge blackout was a bit amusing. Though I can fully understand the fear especially since the 9-11 tragedy is still fresh in their minds.

But then it also makes you think how a techno-crazy nation can be so crippled without their gadgets and gizmos working for them. They've gotten so used to everything working perfectly that they don't know what to do when things don't.

In the article, one New Yorker said, "you could actually see stars in New York." I never realized stellar activity was actually a rare commodity there.

I actually love the city when there isn't any light. The skyline against a backdrop of velvet sky peppered with stars. Beautiful!

But there are actually places in the Philippines where people have no idea what electricity is nor that running water comes from faucets. Those are the best places for stargazing (and Mars watching). Miarayon, Bukidnon is one of my favorite places like that. Sometimes you get the illusion that there are more pinpricks of light than there is darkness.

And the full moon (digression: my "Penny Lane" [groupie] address is fridayfoolmoon. It was supposed to be fullmoonfool but somebody beat me to it)... can light you way for miles.

When I was four years old, I was just new in Pampanga... there was no electricity and it was a full moon... I was playing with the neighborhood kids that "I like the mountain, I like the fisherman...." game. The one that ends with boom-tiyaya-boom-tiyaya-yeye-boom! That was so fun especially when you come to the part "I like the moonlight in the bamboo shade!"

Malayo din ang narating nito from the New York blackout. Hehehe!

Umuulan kaya hindi pa ako makauwi kaya surf-surf-surf sa latest obsession ko ngayon.
Ito pa.
Isa pa.
Meron pa rin?!
Wala ba 'tong katapusan?

Whew! Natapos din... ang ulan. ;)

Winner talaga 'tong si Noel. Some brief comments from him on his "latest" hit"Pana-panahon". Hehehe!

BLOG RANT.
Been posting an average of three times a day. Even more. Why? Because I have unlimited access here in the office since I am the only computer who has a personal connection. The other internet computer is for everybody. Also, I have been done with my job since last week. Most of what I have to do is check out websites on funding agencies. It can get to be boring after thirty minutes or so, therefore I take a break by blogging.

Next week would be my last week here. Then I am off to taking care of a chorale from Korea for the choralfest in CCP on the first week of September. So I won't be blogging as much again.
=====
And now I should finally take the test!


What Finding Nemo Character are You?
brought to you by Quizilla

As for my favorite character...
I love everyone. Dory, Marlin, Nemo, Crush, Nigel... I love everyone! No favorites! Everyone of them deserves to be loved!

Finished with Eternity Code.

This time, I'm rereading


It's one of my favorite Coelho books (but I have only read four). There are days when I like it better than "The Alchemist."

Back in college, I would often think how life would be easier if you were just crazy and stuck in an asylum. That would mean less responsibilities and less expectation from others. Watching "One flew over the cuckoo's nest," in a way contributed to that insane idea.

"Veronika Decides to Die" will either make you want to be crazy or be happy that you are sane.

My crush in Parokya ni Edgar just e-mailed me back. Woo-hoo!

He asked in his e-groups whether I got the name valkyrie from Macross/Robotech.

I wanted so much to say yes just to pretend we have something in common. But I have forgotten much of Robotech. Except that there is always a red alert on Earth and robot fighters have to go to outerspace and battle the enemy. I didn't even know they had Valkyrie Fighters. So I told him the truth and asked whether he was a robotech fan.

The guy has a collection of re-issue models of Valkyrie fighters and other sorts of robot fighters!!! Pogi points. Pogi points! It's just so cool when guys collect sci-fi/fantasy stuff.

So I guess our DVD player will be running my bro's robotech DVD collection the next few weeks. I've been putting it off for the last few months. Now I have a reason why I should watch. So then, next time he says something about it, I have something to say in return.

Hay naku. Ang nagagawa nga naman ng "pag-ibig." Nyahahaha! Kilig. Nyahahaha!

And so here is a sample of a Valkyrie Fighter from Robotech.




=====
Cool! After taking a quick look at the Robotech website, I had sudden flashes of Robotech memory (much like that scene with Dory in Finding Nemo).

I remember Minmei serving in a Chinese (?) restaurant where many of the pilots hang out there and flirt with her.
I also remember her winning THE "Miss Macross" beauty contest and captivating the world with her voice.
I remember Rick Hunter being so cocky with his flying skills.
I remember him being in-love with Minmei and also having a lot of tirades with Lisa Hayes.
I remember Roy Fokker scolding Rick Hunter.
I still trying to remember who I had a crush on between them. Hehehe!
I remember Lisa Hayes going off in this mission, only to discover that the person she was looking (her boyfriend) for was really gone for good.
I remember Lisa Hayes being together with some girls from work.

Woo-hoo! I'm starting to remember! I'm starting to remember! I remember actually looking forward to watching it on weekends.
Woo-hoo! I'm genuinely interested now. And not just I want to score compatability points. This is so cool!

This morning, I decided to take a break from my usual mush and groove mix tape. So I got my old P.O.T tape and pressed the play button.

Dang! They were so good. Like I said, I am not well-versed in understanding the science of playing music, but this is one band which when I listen to, I know that they are not just gifted musicians but skilled as well.

The bass player, the drummer, the lead fused together with the powerful, captivationg voice of Karl Roy just makes me want to shake my booty. Even if they are singing about something serious.

Way back in college, they had a performance during CERSA night. He was wearing this white shirt with pentelpen writing that said, "You're a bad girl. Go to my room." So I screamed, "I'm a bad girl." Hahaha!

Man, when that guy shakes his butt... he really shakes it. Makes you forget the numerous tattoos he has on his body.

I'm not sure if I like Kapatid, Karl Roy's new band. I've only heard them once (during Fete dela Musique) and the acid jazz music I loved with POT just wasn't there.

Anyway, y'all! Yugyugan na!!! (sing! "sige na people, let's get on down... sige na... sige na... sige na!!!)

SILVER LININGS

I finally bought myself another pair of earrings. Most of the earrings I have now are dangling which catches too much attention sometimes. So I went to Filigrinesia and got a mismatched pair (a habit I picked up from Rowie).

The one on my left ear is a slipper (for the JVP in me) and the one on my right is a bolt of lightning (for the fantasy lover in me). They didn't have any gecko, lizard or dragon designs. Maybe I could get one in Baguio. Maybe I could get new piercings, too. Hehehe!

SEA IT!

I watched Finding Nemo last night with my brother. LOVE IT. LOVE IT. LOVE IT. I hope I can find time to watch it again.

Funny. Witty. Hilarious. There were some parts that I could barely hear what the fishies were saying because everybody in the theater were bowled over.

Pixar/Walt Disney just does great cartoons everytime. Even the short included in the film had me laughing. The scriptwriter and director deserves a pat on the back. The animators, too. The CGI was spectacular. I kept thinking how many months of hard work they had to do just to make waves, or fins or whatever.

Basta. It's an awesome movie!

Looking forward to "The Incredibles" and "Brother Bear" (whose trailer almost got me into tears. Well, that's an exagerration... but you get what I'm trying to say.).

INTIMATE MOMENTS

Last Sunday, during the regular JVP second Sunday mass in Cervini, Fr. Jett Villarin (the only male JVP during the first Batch) gave a very nice homily about thirsting for prayer. That more than an obligation, we actually desire to have that conversation with God. It is as natural to us as seeking for food to satiate our hunger or water to quench our thirst.

Though I am not a very prayerful individual I totally understood what he meant by thirsting for God. As I "mature," I recognize more and more how important God plays a role in my life. How everyday of my life, I yearn to please Him... to do what He wills me to do for him... to make my life an offering to Him. Because right now that seems to be the only thing that should matter.

Decisions have become more difficult to make because I always have to ask myself, "Will I be a better person if I do this? And will this be the best way to serve God and His people given who I am?" Yeah, I know it's kinda cheesy and all... but that is how my mind has been working as of late.

My latest "rift" with Him was due to those questions I have been asking over and over and have not received an answer I could understand. I wanted to curse Him. I told Him, "damn. Here I am offering myself to You. Am just asking You what in the world do You want me to do, but you just won't friggin' answer!" I didn't talk to Him for weeks except for a short, "I still love You but I don't want to talk to You yet." spiel before I sleep and when I wake up.

Anyways, today... there were a lot of things that I will have to decide upon as job opportunities are actually coming from all over. Something I did not expect. And I just had the THIRST and the DESIRE to go to mass and pray and ask God to help me decide. But then I did tell Him what I REALLY wanted, and what my alternatives are if I did not get it. I asked to be blessed and helped at this point, as I feel that whatever I do right now would be more or less the direction I would be continuing on for quite a while.

But if I don't get the alternative either... then I suppose there could be something else out there for me.

Anyway, the thirst remains... and I am happy that I feel that. :)

RANDOM THOUGHTS

Cool. Other people other than my friends actually read my blog. Hehehe!
=====
Fillers

Punk Zappa fillers of the Circus album of Eraserheads never fail to crack me up. But I think one of my favorite album fillers of all time would be Karaoke ni Edgar in the Khungkhungkurnitz album.

Vinci's quips are just so hilarious. While doing his Jarvis zzentimental zzet, the rest of the group give snide remarks at the background.

There is this part he sings, "naaalala mo pa ba ang ating nagdaan... ako, hindi." Well, something like that. And another one where he goes, "gusto ko sanang lumikha ng kanta para sa iyo, kaso lang tinatamad ako." Nyahahah!
=====

I could be Master

I had a chat with Mr. Pesigan early this afternoon regarding taking Masters in Filipino Literature. He was so enthusiastic with the idea. He was already giving me tips on how I can come up with a book when I take my masters. Nyah! I was just asking whether I should take Filipino or English. Though I came there more inclined to take Filipino.

There will definitely be more room for creativity if I take Filipino Literature as opposed to English Literature. Given that everywhere in the world it is being studied. On the other hand, there is still much to study in Filipino Literature and culture.

Those were the same reasons why I wanted to take it. At the same time, if I end up teaching, I want people to have a deeper understanding and appreciation of the Filipino craftsmanship with the written word, and even in the performing arts.

BUT, I might not be able to take my masters next semester because there is no need for a grad assistant right now. I won't be able to study if I don't have scholarship. BUT, talking with Mr. Pesigan, I have been inspired to eventually take that path. It's not simply about having the book but the very idea of delving deep into my own roots with the hopes that I can share that with others.

Thinking about that gives me a fuzzy warm feeling. Hehehe!

There seems to be somebody in Borneo who has the same name as me. Look at the last page in the Supporters section.

Weird.

READING IS FUN!

For those who are quite interested in reading on concepts of time, try finding a copy of Einstein's Dreams" by Alan Lightman. Dove lent it to me last April and I just couldn't put it down. There isn't any real story except for short chapters on a young Einstein and his obsession with understanding time. The rest of the book talks about different concepts of time and how the world would be if time were different from what we understand it. It's quite hard to explain, but it's really good.

=====

Right now, I'm reading Neil Gaiman's Sandman grahic novel "The Kindly Ones." I got jarred when I was almost through with "World's End." I knew what was going to happen to Dream, but I never realized I was almost through with my Sandman experience (given that my reading materials were all borrowed). I could imagine how crestfallen those Sandman fans that got the comics per issue were when they saw that particular comic. Yargh.

=====

While I read the comics at home (as I can not bear the idea that I would be lugging around those comics and fraying the edges and such), my traveling companion right now is Artemis Fowl: The Eternity Code. It's no Harry Potter but it is an interesting read having a 13-year old boy genius/criminal mastermind and a fairy policewoman for protagonists. But this is recommended to be read with parental guidance as one has to dig deep and think much to find the values that parents are often looking for in their kids reading materials.

I'll Be has been my Mandy Song (a song you can't get out of your head) for the past weeks already. But I don't mind. I love the song.

I'm just trying to figure out what he means by "love's suicide." Can anyone help? Anyone who has an idea or an opinion?

=====
I'll Be
Edwin McCain

The strands in your eyes that color them wonderful
Stop me and steal my breath
Emeralds from mountains thrust towards the sky
Never revealing their depth

Tell me that we belong together
Dress it up with the trappings of love
I'll be captivated, I'll hang from your lips
Instead of the gallows of heartache that hang from above

I'll be your cryin' shoulder
I'll be love suicide
I'll be better when I'm older
I'll be the greatest fan of your life

Rain falls angry on the tin roof
As we lie awake in my bed
You're my survival, you're my living proof
My love is alive and not dead

Tell me that we belong together
Dress it up with the trappings of love
I'll be captivated, I'll hang from your lips
Instead of the gallows of heartache that hang from above

I'll be your cryin' shoulder
I'll be love suicide
I'll be better when I'm older
I'll be the greatest fan of your life

I've dropped out, burned up, fought my way back from the dead
Tuned in, turned on, remembered the things you said

I'll be your cryin' shoulder
I'll be love suicide
I'll be better when I'm older
I'll be the greatest fan of your life

Cool! Pinoy animators had a big hand in the making of Finding Nemo. So cool! I haven't seen the movie (but I definitely intend to!) but the animators said there was a bahay-kubo in the aquarium where Nemo was. And the three dolls there were actually caricatures of the artists.

Plus if you check the official website, they have a list of interesting stuff to look out for in the movie. That includes Mike Wazowski, Buzz Lightyear and upcoming charcters in "The Incredibles," an upcoming Pixar animated movie. Fun!

WE ACTUALLY PERFORMED WELL!

Yesterday, we won against La Salle. By a big margin. That's something new. It was not because LaSalle was a lesser team but because the Blue Eagles really performed well. And not just a single player but the whole team. They were cohesive. They were relaxed. The rookies of LaSalle did seem a bit nervous, though.

Anyway, if only the Blue Eagles could play that well in all the games, we could get that championship. The problem is they only psyche themselves that much when it is LaSalle we are playing against. I think, gone are the days where it is only games that LaSalle that matter. That was my time. Now, we have a formidable line-up, with our starters considered as the strongest... we can do better than just beat LaSalle. With this team, we can actually make it to the Final Four once more. Maybe even the championship. But they have to perform in all the games the way they did yesterday.

Fonacier, Gonzales, Bugia and Tenorio did very well. I'm glad Fonacier is back in his groove. He has been a great player ever since. Kramer, I do not like much, but then he has been improving. He just has to put more powder in his hands because without fail those hands always lets go of the ball in evey game. Del Rosario did not do as well as yesterday as he did in the other games. But the potential is there.

I still believe.
=====
ENERGY RISING

It's always fun to watch Ateneo-LaSalle games at the Araneta. Once you step inside the coliseum, you could feel all that energy in the air. The audience are so into the game. Cheering on the players to fight for school pride. Back in the 70's and 80's, I heard it could really get bad. With fist fights and car smashing bouts. But I think this time, there is more respect for each other. Clapping for the victor. Clapping for a loser. Clapping for a good game.

And when a game ends, win or lose... I have much pride singing it when LaSalle is there on the other side of the court. But of course, I have more pride when I sing it after winning. Hehehe!

MEDJAS

Cool ng "Medjas." I haven't really listened-listened but I did take a look at the lyrics and tried to get a feel of the tracks. I am not going to give a review as I am person that likes music by the way it moves me. There is no way I can tell if a riff is good or the way the percussion blends with the guitar or the wind instruments...

Anyways, I love:

Awit ng Kagampanan for the poetry of its words. Here's a sample:
"Nais kong mabuhay sa isang panahong may handog na supling ang pakikibaka
sampaguita'y kwintas sa dulo ng digma, liryo ang pulbura
bala ang musika at giting ang pusod ng ating hininga"
Ganda di ba?

Tinitiis ko for the humor.
"isang araw na laking gulat ko
ang aking tuwa ay di maipinta
sa wakas nagtagpo ang ating mga mata
naglakad ako papalapit sa iyo
naglakad ka rin papalapit sa akin
heto na ako, iba ang sinalubong mo."
I think I like the beat, too.

Lullaby sounds every bit the lullaby... very soothing. Written by Kaye Balajadia.
I love these lines...
"I'll take the moonbeams in my hands
and wrap you in their glow
to keep the shadows away
bad dreams at bay."
galing!

Thank you, Lord... it's upbeat, I remember. I love it because the idea of thanking God at the end of an artist's album always pleases me. Hehehe!

By the way, Noel designed the cover. Cool! He's an visual artist as well. Multi-talented man!

THE GODS HAVE LANDED

So I was there are the launch of Noel Cabangon's , "Medjas". Maita, Paola and Dondi were there with me. Jay Gomez, flutist of Hangad, was also with us.

The place with jampacked! And not just with us mere music afficianados, but with people who make THE music themselves. I could die from joy from seeing the greats literally rubbing elbows with us (as I said, the place was packed).

Joey Ayala was present. This man I am completely at awe with. As in, my heart stops, I stare and revere him while at the back of my mind my thoughts go, "you are a genius!" I want a 25-year old version of him, please. Take home. ;)

Mother nature in human form, Grace Nono, was also there. Looking every bit the princess that she is (is she really? she might be an encantada for all i know) in her orange sari (or is it something Muslim-inspired?). I love her look whatever it is called nonetheless.

Alternative music couple Bayang Barrios and Mike Villegas were present. Bayang, no matter what she wears, is always beautiful and stunning. She makes her clothes look like its her second skin. And that voice... man! Lilting and gripping. Always. Without fail.

Even fast-rising acoustic star Paolo Santos was there. It was good that he was wearing a red shirt because he was really, really thin. During Noel's tenth anniversary in Bistro, he played during the intermission. He claimed that he considered Noel to be one of his influences in the local industry. And last night, he was apparently telling the truth. While Noel was playing, he looked like a young child in awe of something (someone) that (who) was greater, wiser and more skilled than he was at something that he wants to do. Paolo had that look.

Others who were there:
QT of Agaw-Agimat. I loved that group when I was in college. (sing!) "sabihin man nilang ako ay bata pa... di ko pa raw kayang umibig sa kanya!" People might mistake this for a love song but it's actually about a young person professing his/her love for country.
She was with this cool-looking dude who seems and must be her boyfried. QT still wears cut-offs but was wearing shoes. She used to perform barefoot. Hehehe! Cool. :)

Jo-Ann Maglipon of Yes! Magazine. Mother of one of our JVPs.

This poet. I forgot his name but artist in neon sign were flashing above his head. Guy with long, long hair... salt and pepper. Thin. Glasses. Aura.

I'm sure there were more that I just didn't recognize or see.

All in all, I wasn't able to listen to Noel thoroughly as I was pre-occupied god-gazing. But those that I was able to listen to, the social consciousness was still there, made less threatening by the jazzy sound. I shall pay attention to the CD in a while.

HE KNOWS MY NAME!

Last night I went to the launch of Noel Cabangon's new album, "Medjas." It was quite unplanned actually. I just decided at 10 AM that day.

I actually had a free ticket to the launch which I won last Wednesday at 70's Bistro when he had a trivia game to raffle off five free tickets. Anyway, I was the one who answered the first question (what is the name of his next album?). Since the people that night weren't the usual crowd (they looked like fashionistas from Makati who got themselves lost in Bistro), they didn't have any idea. Being located very near Noel, I answered. He was snickering when he saw me. He had this look on his face, "of course alam mo, you're always here." Hehehe!

But I wasn't able to claim the ticket because I wanted to leave early because that Bistro trip was totally unplanned. I actually just wanted the casette that went with the ticket.

Anyway, back to yesterday. After lunch I hied off to the Jesuit Communications building to get tickets for me and my companions. Lo and behold! Noel was there. Since he was on the other side of the window, I waved and made a gesture of "where's my ticket" by extending my palms, as if asking for alms. Later he gestured. I went off to get two tickets instead of three then. That saved me a hundred bucks. Yipee!

When we were about to go, he was talking to someone. I didn't know how I could claim my ticket from me. While I was battling with myself whether to just let it go, he called me. By name. Man! He knows me already by name. That is so cool. That was something I was never sure of until yesterday. I felt like I was in heaven. One of the guitar gods of Philippine music just called me by name. Sooo coool!!!

He gave me my ticket and asked who else were going. Told him Maita would be there. But Kang can't because she was still in Mindoro. They were the JVPs he met in Bindum, Bukidnon.

He rocks! Those Bistro performers are so friendly, they deserve to be the icons that they are. No pretentions. Just love for music. Love 'em!

Didn't go to work today. The rain was strong when I woke up this morning that just made me imagine the hell and high waters I have to go through to get to work. Plus, I figured I could claim my right to my holiday which was supposed to be last week. So here I am just lazing around. Been weeks since I was able to do this. Saya! :)

=====

So when I bum around, I watch TV. Mostly MTV and cartoons. Hehehe! Must be the child in me. Anyway, I was watching Blue's Clues minus Steve. Aw!!! I love Steve. Anyway, I learned a few things about colors. See, I was used to the 64 crayons of Crayola where colors were called Blue Violet or Red Violet or Yellow Orange. Stuff like that. Now I know what the real names of the colors are. Some of them anyway because I wasn't really paying attention and was thinking of how delicious coffee crumble is as it melts in my mouth.

Chartruese is green and yellow.
Magenta is red and violet.
Marigold is yellow and orange.
Vermillion is red and orange (or was it red and yellow?).
Aquamarine is green and blue.
Violet is actually different from purple. Purple is blue and green. Violet is blue and purple.
There were a few more colors but these were the only ones I remembered.

I like the way chartruese sounds. :)

=====

Rivermaya singing 214 live currently. I love the way Rico Blanco performs. Grabe. He was a very convincing Judas in Jesus Christ Superstar. From the Rivermaya mailing list, I heard he is the number one something of Cosmo. Yey! Rico. Fellow Blue Eagle!

The night before my birthday, Mike and Rowie brought me home after watching Bulletproof Monk (a bit disappointing, but Sean William Scott is still my man. hehehe!) and drinking coffee at Starbucks. On the way home we were listening to Eraserheads second album "Circus."

I loved that album so much, together with "Ultraelectromagneticpop." And everytime I listen to it, it brings memories of the good old days in college. The nostalgia always makes me smile on how back then I was foolish, idealistic and reckless in a forgivable manner. :) So when my bro and I passed by MusicOne, I asked him to give the CD to me as gift. I'll have to get the first album soon. I miss singing "Maling Akala" and "Shake Yer Head" with Ely.

=====

I have become a Parokya ni Edgar groupie of sorts nowadays. In a span of two weeks, I was able to complete their five albums, except Silent Night, Holy Cow which will probably released two-three months before Christmas. Their novelty and sense of humor has always been their USP (unique selling proposition), and the fact that they have been good friends since high school. Makes them more lovable that way.

=====
OPM has always been my kind of music. It's all Ryan Cayabyab's fault for launching Smokey Mountain. Hearing kidsmy age singing about being proud of being Pinoy just stuck to my mind. So I'm stuck with loving OPM all through out my life. Though I love foreign artists, too. Except when it comes to buying CDs or tapes, I'd rather buy something OPM instead. I keep thinking... "suportahan ang sariling atin. Buying this will help the country more than buying a foreign artist CD." I know it might be overthinking, but I can't help it. Hehehe!

So here is the list of what I seek to add to my collection eventually (thank God, they are back to costing 250!)

PNE - Silent Cow, Holy Night
All Joey Ayala albums
All APO Hiking Society albums
Eraserheads - Ultraelectromagneticpop, Cutterpillow, Aloha Milky Way, Sticker Happy, Carbosteroxide
All Rivermaya albums (except the Live album with Slapshock)
Gary Granada - The best of Gary Granada, The better of Gary Granada
Buklod - The best of Buklod
Sound - Bossamanila (suportahan ang sariling atin!)
Tropical Depression
Color it Red - Fool's Circle and Hand-Painted Sky

Though I would probably buy foreign CDs if I had the disposable income.

Last night I called up one of my former students in the seminary, Raven, to greet him a happy birthday. Everytime I talk to him, it makes me feel very appreciated. He would often remind me of the letters I wrote them when they were still in college. How it would inspire him to try and be as joyful as I am. He kept saying that he feels really bad when I say I am sad because he feels there is nothing to be happy about if I it is I who is unhappy. These seminarians really have a way with making you feel good about who you are.

Happy birthday my good friend, Raven. Hoping for face-to-face talks about our faith and our humanity! :)

Conversing with Dok, on the other hand, always end up with misunderstanding. For some reason, we always banter now. There is no real fight, but then it isn't friendly banter either. We just don't see eye-to-eye, I guess. Just another fact of life between good friends.

thank you for the 24 years

=======
Sa lahat ng nakaalala, bumati through text, call, e-mail, prayer... salamat.
Sa mga nakalimot, salamat pa rin dahil kung naalala niyo... you'll do one of the above. I think. Hehehe!

=====
I spent my birthday finishing up work I have to do because I have a deadline (which was moved to Monday around 5PM). Our office is on a holiday, so it was only I who worked here in the office. Breakfast was palitaw, lunch was teeny-weeny chicken wrap from the caf and dinner was bread stix.

Now, I am all finished with what I have to do. Fulfilled that I was able to do what I had to, a bit frustrated because I can't e-mail it because it's 64 MB. How in the world will I do that? So I shall wait for Monday to figure it out. Maybe you techies out there have an idea. Hehehe!

Anyway, I was reminded by mom to go to Mass today so I did.

It was a good homily by this fatherly looking Jesuit who I have only seen today. Nothing really new, but it was appropriate for someone celebtrating her birthday. It was about the "God in all things." I wouldn't go into the details on what else he said.

Bottomline was it matched the thought I had for the whole day was "thank you for everything that You have given me."

Let then this e-mail be my chance to thank you for being part of my life.

to LHC, the good friends that I had since college, during those times we thought we knew everything but actually new nothing... and now we are all older, a bit wiser because we know we still don't know anything. Thank you for the "breaking up" and "getting together" again. When we are old and gray, McDonald's is still the way. :)

to all my JVP friends, batchmates, staff, "alagas," co-workers... thank you for letting me experience the best years of my life... of teaching me what love can do and what i can do for love, for showing me Calapan and Bukidnon and the Philippines... and for pointing the way to God. I shall forever hug you tight... and I shall forever cherish our hugs of peace.

to the friends I met in advertising... thank you for letting me explore my creativity and discovering talent I never knew I had... for overnights sleeping in our filthy carpet and drinking Starbucks at 2AM and eating burger machine roast beef at 4AM.

the gratitude I feel in my heart is deep. i feel my life is rich. sometimes painful, sometimes joyful. times with tears and times with laughter. but always with passion. it is because of you people who came into my life... some just once, some lingered, some who will stay on... you have made me who i am. so if you like me, you made me this way. if you don't, you made me this way. hehehe!

25 will be an interesting year... hope you remain part of it.

one way or the other, i love you. :)

dancing in the rain,
angie